The Phantom of the Opera is now being staged at one of Beijing's newest cultural venues, the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. Photos by Zhao Chao/provided to China Daily

The revival of Tianqiao and its new performing arts center means Beijing can welcome shows that couldn't come to the capital before, Chen Nan reports.

Before Beijing had grand cultural venues like the National Center for the Performing Arts, and popular commercial areas such as Sanlitun, there was Tianqiao, once a destination for folk arts and small businesses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Located in the capital's downtown, people could find pet markets and teahouses, and enjoy performances of cross-talk shows, acrobatics and operas. However, this landmark from an earlier chapter of Beijing's history was threatened by the country's fast development and urbanization.

In response, the local government launched a project four years ago to help restore the glory of Tianqiao. On Nov 20, a new structure was unveiled: the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Covering more than 16,000 square meters, the venue has four theaters; the biggest has a capacity of 1,600 and the smaller ones each cater to around 300 people. Additionally, the outdoor square outside the venue also serves as a place for arts and entertainment for the general public.

"We look at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center as a major draw to the area and as a step for a revitalization of the area," says Tian Yuan, general manager of the center.

"It's not just a place for shows at night but also a new venue, where you can enjoy arts in the daytime by attending exhibitions and music workshops."

Located on Zhongzhou Road, or the central axis, a main north-south road through the capital, the center is close to the Temple of Heaven, one of the most popular tourist sites in Beijing.